My Incredible Mom Contest Winners

May 5, 2009

Grand Prize: Miracle mom

Ty Martin, Pembroke Pines

I am nominating my wife, Michelle, as she is a "Miracle Mom."

Ten years ago she was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease.In the following years, she endured chemo, dialysis, 11 different surgeries, transfusions, life support, but the worst thing of all for us both was being told she would never have children.

After battling back from months of hospitalizations and treatment, she got stronger. She went to the gym on her off-days and started looking into a transplant.Lo and behold it was me that would be her donor.

A year after the transplant, we got pregnant. Our beautiful boy was born exactly 8 months later and we are currently trying for our second with the doctor's blessing.

When I see my wife with our son, my heart just feels so full. She is such a good mom, just like I knew she'd be. We don't look back anymore - only forward to the future.

First Runner Up: Special educator

Sherrill McCarthy, Oakland Park

One thing that sticks out in our family's mind the most is how much she accomplished in life. Having a son who was mentally retarded, she set her goal on achieving a degree in special education.

She went back to school in her in her 30s to become a teacher for the mentally challenged. While doing this, she raised four children, worked a full-time job and went to school at night.

I can remember her locking herself in the bedroom on weekends to study and do papers. My father helped by keeping all of us outside to play so she could study.

Finally after many years, she got her master's degree in special education. She helped established curriculum that is still used today. She continued to teach for 35 years and retired at the age of 70.

She raised all of us to be self-sufficient in life with a strong family bond and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities.

We love you mom.

Second Runner Up: Super mom

Michael Post, Boca Raton

My mom is a supermom. She attends to my father who had a heart attack in November. She cooks homemade meals, cleans and helps to take care of her grandchild on the weekends.

She always has a huge smile and a big hug for everyone and grandma kisses for the baby.

At 57, she works three jobs in order to help my family out as we are suffering from the economic downturn. She helps pay our utilities and buys clothes for us and the baby. Recently, she bought new tires for our truck and an oil change because she wants us to have a safe vehicle.

She even finds time three days a week to walk 6 and a half miles with a neighbor. She knows the value of staying healthy so that she can continue to provide the endless love and affection for her family.

My mom is the most amazing woman ever. She never complains and is always ready to help. She goes to church, finds time to spend with all of us and just keeps on going. And all of this keeps her young as she doesn't look over 40.

She is truly a God's blessing to us all, and I love her so very much for that.